The Labour Party has been lobbying other Opposition parties and TDs seeking support for a policy of obstructing the Government's proposed amendments to the Freedom of Information Act.
Labour leader, Mr Pat Rabbitte, wrote today to Fine Gael head, Mr Enda Kenny, and the chief whip of the Dáil technical group, Mr Tony Gregory, asking for a meeting to discuss strategy to prevent the new legislation being passed.
He said the Opposition should "take every measure possible to obstruct the passage of this amending legislation through the House, and should withdraw all co-operation from the Government while it is being passed into law".
The Freedom of Information Act is a vital tool for Irish citizens to vindicate their rights and to hold the Government to account, the Labour leader added.
"These proposals...are a most serious attack on the fundamental principles underlying the Act, and are an attempt to substantially undermine its functioning," he said.
"Our democracy will be significantly weakened if these proposals are enacted."
However, the Minister for Finance, Mr Charlie McCreevy, described the new bill as "a sensible, practical measure designed to allow the Government to work effectively".
He said that he did not believe it was in the public interest to release documents on important issues before a sufficient period of time had elapsed."Otherwise, the only effect is to undermine the workings of Government."
"In taking decisions on important economic and social issues, the Government has to look at different alternatives and approaches.
"It has to debate these freely and reach a decision on behalf of the community. For this process to work effectively, records relating to Government business need to be properly protected."